10 Secrets for Success

Tips for how to succeed atNew Smyrna Beach High School

and beyond.

Step 1: Getting Good Grades

High school is where grades start to really count

Colleges and employers will see your semester grades on your transcripts- bad grades will never go away!

Still, why should you care about grades?

Why should you care about grades?

• Graduation- You will not be able to graduate unless you have a 2.0 GPA (which translates into a C average) and credit for all required classes.

• Scholarships-You could go to college for free or at a reduced rate if your grades (starting in 9th grade) are high enough!

Why should you care about grades?

• Prepare for college and/or work challenges-High school can help prepare you for things you will encounter when you graduate.

• AP credit- If you get good enough grades, you could take advanced placement classes and start college as a sophomore, saving you money and time.

Why should you care about grades?

• Cheaper car insurance rates- Most major insurance carriers will offer you a good student discount when you start to drive if you have good grades.

• Better part-time job- If you have good grades employers are more willing to take a chance on you and you could get a better job that pays more money while still in school.

Why should you care about grades?

• Happier parents/guardians – That usually means a happier you!

• Good grades are what colleges, employers, and the military want- No matter what you want to do when you get out of school, your grades will have an impact on the opportunities that you will have.

Graduation Requirements

Courses CreditsEnglish 4Mathematics (1 credit of algebra) 4Science 3Social Studies 3Performing Arts 1PE (includes integration of health 1Electives (4 in a major interest & 4 in Elective) 8 Total Credits Required 24

Total Credits Available 28 Earn a passing score on the Reading & Math Grade 10 FCAT or a

15 on each section of the ACT Must declare a major.

Step 2: Knowing What Employers, Colleges and the

Military Want They all look for the

same things: Good Grades + Extracurricular

Involvement + Work Experience + Useful Skills

Useful Skills Include: Leadership Abilities Ability to Work in a Group Evidence of Effort in

Everything You Do Good Communication Skills Good Organization Skills Computer Skills

Step 3: Follow the Rules and Stay Out of Trouble

Know what the rules are and stick to them. You can’t succeed if you are not in class.

If you have a poor attendance or discipline record possible employers or colleges are less likely to select you

Step 4: Get Involved in Sports and/or Clubs

Your involvement with the school outside of the regular school day is just as important to employers, colleges and the military as your grades!

Be dedicated to and involved with at least one or two clubs and/or sports.

Step 5: Develop Good Listening Skills in Every Class

Listening is one of the most important skills you can develop to do better in school and beyond.

The biggest tip I have is for you to be focused on one thing at a time. In class, that one thing needs to be instruction!

Step 6: Be a Good Note-taker

Being a good note-taker is extremely important in high school.

Remember the tips we talked about!

Step 7: Learn How to Study

1. Set aside a place to study.

2. Divide your work into small, short-range goals.

3. Spend 10-15 minutes each night studying what you did in each class that day. You will do better on the tests and be a more effective listener.

Step 8: Manage Your Time and Plan Ahead

Break big tasks like projects down into smaller tasks.

Set deadlines for yourself. Plan ahead. Don’t put things

off to the last minute. Use a planner!

Step 9: Set Good Goals

If you don’t have a plan for where you are going and why you are doing things it will be difficult to motivate yourself.

SMART Goals

S: Specific: What do you want to do?

M: Measurable: How will you know you have done it?

A: Attainable/Realistic: How are you going to do this?

R: Relevant: Why is this significant/important?

T: Timely : When is your deadline to reach your goal?

SMART Goals

Bad example of a goal: “I am going to do my homework.”

When? How? Why? SMART example: “I will spend homeroom time

completing homework whenever possible. I will also set aside an hour before dinner to work on homework each night. I will add time after dinner as needed if I do not finish. I will turn in every assignment in every class all quarter. Turning in my homework on time will be one of the things I will do to help me reach my larger goal of keeping grades of A’s and B’s in all of my classes.”

Step 10: Have a Positive Attitude and Enjoy High School

High school is a time that you will never forget. Make sure that the memories that stick with you forever are positive ones that you helped to create.

Sports Available

Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Golf, Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Dance, Tennis, Weightlifting, Track, Softball, Baseball

Outside of school- Surfing, Skating, Gymnastics, Dance, Horseback Riding etc.

Clubs Available Based On: Volunteer Work (Key Club, Interact) Academic Interests (Model UN,

Academic Team, Spanish Club) Social Interests (FFA, HOSA) Leadership (Steering Committees) Artistic Interests (Drama, Art)